Are cash bus fares accepted on buses anymore?

That’s the question being asked by passengers after a woman with two young children was barred from a bus in Romford last week after only having a £10 note.

Ian Liddle, 36, of Hyland Way, Hornchurch, contacted the Recorder after wife Tina, 34, had to go and get change.

He said: “She was in Romford town doing some shopping. Her car was in for its MOT and she had two young children with her – they are 10 months and just over two – in a double buggy.

“The driver basically said, ‘I don’t have any change for a £10 note’ and drove off and she was left standing there in the cold with two kids.

“It seems ridiculous. If the buses don’t take cash, they should make everyone aware of it.”

The problem is a familiar one to Streetlife.com users.

Yvette G, of South Hornchurch, said: “I tried to pay a £2.40 fare with a £5 and the bus driver had no change. In the end, I paid £5 for my journey. I complained to TfL [Transport for London] and apparently it is a rule that passengers must have the correct money.”

Mike Weston, of London Buses, said: “While we do expect drivers to carry a small cash float, this may become depleted during their shift and, in such cases, drivers may not be able to provide change when a passenger wants to pay with a note.

“We recommend that passengers use an Oyster card or contactless credit, debit or charge card to ensure they benefit from the cheapest fare.”